VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC continue to bolster their roster ahead of their March 4 season opener, adding experienced right back Sean Franklin as a free agent on Thursday, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
Franklin, a two-time MLS Cup winner, agreed to an MLS contract through 2018. The 10-year MLS defender has been with the team since the second week of preseason camp, as Whitecaps FC prepare to kick off the regular season at BC Place in 10 days.
"Sean is an experienced player and a proven winner," said head coach Carl Robinson. "He's won trophies in LA, and that's what we're trying to do here. He brings a little bit of competition to the right back slot which is what we need. This will make our younger players better and keep them on their toes. Sean will play an important role for us this year."
Whitecaps FC right back Sean Franklin
- Scored 11 goals and added 37 assists in 286 starts and 308 appearances across all competitions in 10 years with LA Galaxy and, most recently, D.C. United
- Two-time MLS Cup winner (2011, 2012), two-time Supporters' Shield winner (2010, 2011), 2008 MLS Rookie of the Year, two-time MLS All-Star (2011, 2014)
- Top 10 among active MLS players with 21 starts, 22 appearances, 1,994 minutes played and four assists in the MLS Cup Playoffs
"I'm glad to be a part of this young and hungry team. My experience will help the young guys and I'm looking forward to what we can accomplish this season," said Franklin. "I was with the team in Hawaii, and everyone welcomed me. I got to know my teammates right away and got comfortable with everyone."
Franklin, 32, brings in an impressive decade-long resume that includes 11 goals and 37 assists in 286 starts and 308 appearances across all competitions during his time with LA Galaxy, and most recently, D.C. United. He helped LA win MLS Cup titles in 2011 and 2012, and the Supporters' Shield in 2010 and 2011. He also earned individual honours as an MLS All-Star in 2011 and 2014, and took home the MLS Rookie of the Year award in 2008 while with LA.
A consistent and reliable defender with proven success in the postseason, Franklin ranks in the top 10 among active MLS players with 21 starts, 22 appearances, 1,994 minutes played and four assists in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
The product of California State University, Northridge and USL Premier Development League side San Fernando Valley Quakes entered the league as the fourth overall selection by LA Galaxy in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft.
Born and raised in Southern California, Franklin has made one international friendly appearance for the United States men's national team, and also previously represented his country at the U-20 and U-23 levels.
Sean Franklin
Position: Right back
Height: 5-10
Weight: 175 pounds
Date of Birth: March 21, 1985 in Panorama City, California
Hometown: Palmdale, California
Citizenship: United States
Status: Domestic
Previous Club: D.C. United (MLS '14-'17)
Twitter: @SFranklin5
Instagram: @s_franklin5
Transaction: Acquired via free agency on February 22, 2018
